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FT editor Roula Khalaf selects her favorite stories in this weekly newsletter.
One of the great privileges of working at Bracken House in the City of London is that our offices are in the shadow of St Paul’s. Every time I enter the office, I pass Sir Christopher Wren’s baroque cathedral and each time I catch my breath. Apparently there is a condition, objectophilia, in which people become unusually attached to or emotional about a building, and certainly over the years I have come to regard St. Paul as a friend.
I am not religious, although God knows I am open to a spiritual awakening; Believing in the afterlife would certainly make it easier to process the news right now. But even a filthy pagan like me can be transported by the extraordinary calm found in the sacred realms. This year I have visited some really beautiful churches: St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Roman Catholic church in Vienna, with its epic frescoes and Gothic spiers; the exquisitely simple Tre Chiese, a complex of three churches in the province of Bolzano, whose oldest church, Santa Geltrude, was first documented in the 13th century; and San Francisco de Asís Catholic Mission Church in Taos, New Mexico, the adobe-walled house of worship that has captivated artists, saints and sinners since 1816. For this issue we asked our tastemakers and contributors What sacred buildings have inspired you the most?. The list is multi-denominational, spectacular and unexpected: small pockets of wonder found around the world.
Those seeking enlightenment through more secular routes may be swayed by Victoria Woodcock’s article on new enchanted mood in art. These figurative pieces have a mythical, folkloric and fairy tale spirit, surreal in their narration and rich in allegory. Many remember me The water babiesCharles Kingsley’s children’s novel, while others have a more manga style. For the most part, they are tremendously beautiful and awaken a childlike fascination with everything fantastic.
Who will visit the cinema to see Timothée Chalamet do his Bob Dylan impression? Early words about A complete stranger It’s packed and I, for one, always look forward to seeing something starring Elle Fanning. Super fans might like to check out our style guide: Aylin Bayhan has found 18 pieces to help you Channels the singer’s ’60s genius.. Sorry, we cannot provide the voices. Those pipes are simply not for sale.
We have also been to Bhutan with photographer Angelo Pennetta, who provides an evocative travelogue; and Koko, in Camden, with Benjamin Canares and Felix Cooper, to create an impressive portfolio to meet all your party needs. And I’m taking notes on how to make the perfect irish coffee (apparently he needs ice cream), dreaming of custom quilts and plan a visit to Tokyo, particularly its new Muji flagship store. I don’t believe in many things, but I believe in Muji: Christmas isn’t Christmas without a stocking full of Gel Ink pens.
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